Kylie does the Disney College Program!

Fall 2014- Merchandise at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Dinoland. Spring 2015- Attractions at Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland- Space Mountain. Fall 2017 Attractions!

[kyliedoesdcp]

Housing Pros and Cons

For those choosing to live in Disney sponsored housing, there are four complexes: Vista Way, Chatham Square, Patterson Court, and the Commons. Many participants choose to live in housing for the sake of connivence, access to transportation, and in my own personal opinion, its the easiest way to make friends. All apartments have the same basic amenities so it comes down to a matter of preference, All the complexes have pros and cons so I’ll do my best to outline them here. 

Vista Way

Pros:

-Closest to fast food options like Wendy’s and Chick-fil-a 

-Has the cheapest rent 

-All buses stop inside the complex/its the bus hub

-No apartments have triple occupancy

-Has the Disney Learning Center where you can rent books and movies

Cons:

-Its the oldest complex

-Not all apartments are renovated (and the ones that aren’t are in pretty bad shape) 

-Has a reputation as being the “party” complex

-Is set apart from the other three complexes

Chatham Square 

(I’m biased since I’ve lived here 3 out of 4 times and its by far my favorite)  

Pros:

-Close to other complexes

-Most housing events are held here

-Right across from Mickey’s Retreat

-Shortest walk to the strip mall with Publix, UPS, and Walgreens

Cons:

-Can be loud during housing events

-Some of the apartments are outdated or have strange set-ups (like sinks basically in the bedroom area or closets in the bathrooms) 

-Unlike Vista and the Commons the bus stop is outside the complex 

-Layout can be confusing 

Patterson Court

(I also lived here)

Pros:

-Newest complex

-Nicest apartments

-Very quiet (hence why its often referred to as the retirement home)

-The H bus (Walmart/Publix/Post Office) stops inside making it easy when grocery shopping)

-In my opinion, the best pool

Cons:

-No bus stop (you have to walk to Chatham)

-Parking can be limited 

The Commons

Pros:

-Washer and dryer in unit (hence why everyone wants to live here)

-Small convenience store, the Grid, is here

-Bus stop inside complex (although some buses only stop here by request)

-Right across from the outlet parking lot 

Cons:

-Must expensive rent 

-Some apartments need a refurb

-Not all buses stop here

-Depending where you’re located some apartments are close to a loud and busy main road

[kyliedoesdcp]

Very excited to be cross-training at the Buzz complex!

For those who don’t know, Tomorrowland attractions consists of four complexes: Space, Speedway, Buzz (also called rides), and Theaters (also called shows). I’m already trained at Space complex (which is just Space Mountain), but since I extended I get to cross-train. Buzz complex consists of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, the Peoplemover, and Astro Orbiter. 

[kyliedoesdcp]

Tomorrowland attractions (minus Tomorrowland Speedway) costume!

[kyliedoesdcp]

Excited to announce I’ll be returning to Tomorrowland attractions and living at Patterson!

[kyliedoesdcp]

Housing FAQ’s

Hellooooo humans!

In this post, I’m going to answer some common housing questions I see being asked online. However, if you have a question that wasn’t covered or other questions about the program, feel free to use my ask box! 

Q: Does Disney provide housing for College Program participants?

A: Yes! There are four apartment complexes where CP’s can live- Vista Way, Chatham Square, The Commons, and Patterson Court. Rent is deducted from each paycheck based on which complex you are in and number of rooms/roommates. The layout of each apartment varies by number of rooms, but they are furnished and have the same general amenities- pool, gym, and a Clubhouse where you can rent supplies, pick up packages, etc. If you live in housing you can use the Transtar bus system to get you to and from work. The buses go to every complex but Patterson. 

Q: How many roommates will I have?

A: That is up to you! You can have as few as one roommates or as many as seven roommates. The more roommates you have the cheaper you’re rent will be. I did the six person option on my last program (and I requested it for my upcoming program) and I felt it worked out nicely. 

Q: How do I find roommates?

A: The most common way people find their roommates is through the Facebook groups. Each season there will be at least one, but usually there’s many Facebook group dedicated to CP’s doing that program. Most people post roommate surveys (you can find one if you scroll down a few posts) to find people with common interests and have similar housing preferences. Your roommates must: be of the same gender and have the same arrival and departure dates. 

Q: What is Wellness and Non-Wellness housing?

A: Simply put, in Wellness housing you cannot have alcohol and in non-wellness you can. All complexes have both options. If you are under 21, you must live in Wellness housing. If you are over 21 you can live in either but if you choose Wellness you cannot drink in your apartment. In order to have a Non-Wellness apartment everyone in your apartment must be 21 or older.

Q: How much is rent? 

A: These are the current rent prices

Q: How do I request roommates/housing preferences?

A: You will do it through DORMS, about three weeks before your arrival date. For more on this, see my previous post on housing registration. 

Q: What does furnishings do the apartments have?

A: The DCP page has a list- http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/onboarding/fl/housing/amenities/ 

Q: What if I have a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animals (ESA)?

A: If you have one you will need to fill out a Medical Accommodation Form (found here: http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/onboarding/fl/pre-arrival-information/overview/) and have it signed off by doctor. You will live in a one bedroom apartment with no roommates, but you will only pay the standard rent for one person ($130/week) 

Q: What if I do not want to live in housing?

A: You can opt out of housing in DORMS when it is time for your housing registration. If you live off-site you cannot use the buses, but you can still attend CP events. 

Q: What items should I bring with me?

A: The CP page has some good information-  http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/onboarding/fl/pre-arrival-information/items-to-bring/ and soon I will post a packing list so look out for that! 

Q: What items are prohibited in housing?

A: Pets (unless they are approved SAs/ESAs), candles, alcohol (if in a Wellness apartment), bikes, weapons, drugs/drug paraphernalia. 

[kyliedoesdcp]

Housing Registration

Helloooooo humans! 

About three weeks before your arrival date you'll receive an email to register for housing on DORMS. Unlike New Hire Paperwork everyone on the same arrival date tends to get it within the same forty-eight hour time period. Also unlike New Hire Paperwork, there is a shorter time frame to complete it in (mine was four days). Before you receive the email you should discuss with your roommate group who will be the leader. This person will collect all the roommate numbers and add link the roommates as well as choose housing preferences. 

The email will come from Disney Housing with a link to log-in. The log-in will be the same one you used when you paid your program deposit- the email you used to apply and a password you chose. At the bottom of the email will be your roommate number which your housing leader will use to link the group. The email will also tell you how many people you can link with for your arrival date. How many people you can link with changes from arrival date to arrival date. I got super lucky and was able to link with five other girls. NOTE: you do have to pick roommates of the same gender (unless you requested married housing and have proof of marriage) and have the same arrival/departure date. 

Once you are on DORMS, you will see a tab entitled Housing Registration. Click on that and it'll bring you to a form to fill out. This form includes personal info, an emergency contact, vehicle information if you're bringing a car, and has options for opting out of housing and requesting married, ADA, or wellness housing. The next two pages are agreeing to community standards and authorizing housing to take rent out of each paycheck. How much rent is determined by where you live and how many roommates you have. 

Now comes the fun part- linking up your roommate group! I was the leader for my group so I rounded up everyone's roommate numbers and linked us all up. You and everyone you link will receive an email letting you know that you've been linked. 

Next you will rank your housing preferences from most desirable to least. The options you see listed will be based on how many roommates you link. It's important to note that roommates and preferences are not guaranteed. Lastly, you submit your registration and you'll receive a boarding pass as confirmation that you're registration is completed. 

You will find out what complex you are in when you get your itinerary one week before arrival but you won't know your apartment number of roommates until check-in day. 

 That's all for now!

[kyliedoesdcp]

New Hire Paperwork

Helloooooo humans!

Last week, I received and completed my New Hire Paperwork. Typically, this paperwork comes about a month before your arrival date and it is completed through an online portal called the New Hire Portal. It is important to note that it comes in waves, so not everyone will receive their paperwork at the same time and that is okay. 

This email will come from a different email than the previous emails from the DCP email you have been receiving. This is what the email looks like and it is entitled New Hire Portal Instructions. Once you log-in you will complete a series of forms in order to become a cast member. The whole process takes about an hour and is best completed on a computer. Be sure to have your banking information for direct deposit, an emergency contact, and tax information for your W-4. In addition to forms, there are also a few manuals to read which contain information on company policies. You will not receive any hard copies of this manuals so if you would like some for your reference be sure to save/print them. 

See ya real soon!

[kyliedoesdcp]

Sample Phone Interview Questions

These are some questions you may be asked during a phone interview: 

Are you familiar with the parks, resorts, and Orlando area?

What does Disney mean to you?

(For alumni) How will another college program help you professionally? 

How will the college program help you professionally?

What are you most looking forward to?

What makes you a good candidate for the program?

What are three positive qualities about yourself?

What are three negative qualities about yourself?

What can you offer the company?

What Disney character is most like you?

What’s a magical moment you have had in the Disney parks?

Tell me about your past jobs/work experience

How would your bosses (past and present) describe you?

Tell me about a time you didn’t get along with your co-workers?

Tell me about a time where a customer was difficult. How did you handle it?

Do you mind working outside in the Florida heat or inside in cold air conditioning?

Would you rather work independently or in a group setting?

Would you rather work in a slow or fast-paced environment?

How would you handle an emergency?

How would you handle a guest who doesn’t speak English but clearly needs help?

Do you mind working mornings, evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays?

How would you make a guest’s day?

If you were doing a task that was repetitive, how would you keep yourself interested in it?

Have you ever spoken in front of a large group of people?/Are you comfortable speaking in front of a large audience?

What would you do if a child was too short to ride a certain ride?

What would you do if you messed up your spiel?

Have you ever lived in a dorm setting before? 

[kyliedoesdcp]

The Phone Interview (PI)

After you pass the WBI you will be told to schedule a phone interview. This is a 15-30 minute interview where you will be asked questions about why you want to do the program, what roles interest you, and your past work experiences. This is the last step before receiving an offer. 

Some tips for the phone interview: 

-Find a quiet location where you can talk for 15-30 minutes

-The interviewer may call 15 minutes before or after your allotted time so make sure when you scheduled your time you are able to answer

-Use a landline if possible, so you don’t have to worry about dropped calls. If that is not possible find somewhere with good service

-Smile! It sounds silly but it really makes a difference when you smile during your interview 

-Prepare some answers, but don’t just read off your notes. Have notes on your top roles and why you want them, your work history, and why you want to do the program. Also if you are requesting a location now is the time to do so. 

-Take a deep breath and relax. Many people think this is the most stressful part but as long as you are prepared it’s a breeze. I like to listen to Disney music before my phone interviews (I’ve done four) to help calm me. 

Pixie dust for all who are applying! 

[kyliedoesdcp]

The Web Based Interview (WBI)

So you’ve just received this email letting you know that you’re on to the next step in the application process? First off, congrats! Not everyone gets to this stage so its a good first step. As the email states you have to complete this interview with in three days of receiving the email. It takes about 30-45 minutes and it is a serious of multiple choice questions to gauge your personality. At the end you will be told whether or not you passed. If you pass you will be moving on to the phone interview which is the final stage.

Some tips for the WBI: 

-Relax. Take a deep breath, find a quiet space, and take the WBI. You got this!

-Consistent answers are key. Too many inconsistent answers means you fail, so be sure to think about what you have previously answered. 

-Don’t overthink it. This is a timed interview so try not to stress about answers, just put which answer you feel like best suits you. 

Best of luck!

[kyliedoesdcp]

Sample Roommate Survey

With lots of acceptance waves going out (congrats everyone who’s been accepted!) many people are beginning the roommate search. There’s a few variations of the roommate survey but here’s the one I used! 

BACKGROUND: 

Name:

Gender: 

Relationship Status: 

Sexual orientation:     

Birthday/Age: 

Current Location: 

School: 

Major: 

Are you allergic/allergies to anything: 

Do you have any siblings? 

DCP DETAILS 

Are you applying for WDW or DL? 

Flying or Driving: 

Your Role? 

What program are you applying for?

Do you want to live in Wellness or Non-Wellness?  

How many people do you want to live with? 

Which housing complex would you like to live in? 

Alumni?

LIFESTYLE Do you party? How often?

Do you smoke? 

Do you drink? 

Can you cook?  

Are you a night person or morning person? 

Do you snore? 

What does your bedroom normally look like? 

 Do you like it when your room is hot or cold?  

Would you rather go out or stay in? 

 What do you like to do on your days off/the weekend? 

Do you work out a lot? 

PERSONALITY 

Three words that describe you:

One good quality: 

One bad quality: 

 Are you outgoing or quiet? 

Do you like hanging out with people or keeping to yourself?

 What would you want in a roommate? 

What are your biggest pet peeves/dislikes? 

Are you messy or organized:

How do you feel about sharing? 

Do you like having people over a lot?

Favorite Music:  

Favorite TV Show: 

Favorite Movies: 

Favorite Food:  

Favorite Candy: 

Favorite Drink: 

DISNEY! 

Favorite Characters:

Favorite Movie:

Favorite Disney Channel Show: 

Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom  

Favorite Ride: Expedition Everest

[kyliedoesdcp]

MICKEY, I’M COMING HOME. This is tad late but on February 14th I was accepted for Fall Attractions! I applied 1/23, had my phone interviewed 1/24, and heard back 2/14. I arrive on 8/7 and I could not be more excited!

[kyliedoesdcp]

The DCP Application Process

Today applications dropped (opened) for the 2017 DCP Fall and Fall Advantage programs. I applied seeing as I am finally graduating this May! 

I completed my first DCP in the Fall of 2014 in Dinoland merchandise at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I then extended into attractions at Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom in the Spring of 2015. Since then I applied for Spring 2016 and was accepted for attractions and summer alumni 2016 where I was not accepted after the phone interview. Having completed the process three times I feel I have a pretty good grasp of the process and I am happy to answer any questions.

In order to be eligible for the program you must be currently enrolled in at least one class at a college or university or have graduated in the last six months. You must be at least eighteen years old and have completed at least one semester of school. Additionally you have to have work authorization. If you are an alumni you cannot complete more than a year of continuous programs. 

The application is pretty straightforward. You create an account  at cp.disneycareers.com/ and then you can hit apply now. The application asks basic questions like personal information- name, address, etc; school information- school, year, major; and program information- fall or fall advantage, which roles you are interested in, and your interest in each role. The fall program runs from August-to the first week and January and the fall advantage program runs from the end of May/early June- to the first week in January. The application takes about 10-15 minutes total. Be sure to answer all questions honestly and take the time to double check that the information is correct.

Once you complete the application if you move on to the next round you will get an email to complete the Web Based Interview (WBI), more on that in my next post.

[kyliedoesdcp]

Just scheduled my phone interview to return for Fall 2017!

[janeportar]

Love Is An Open Door concept art.

[kyliedoesdcp]

The post-Disney depression is real

After my CP, I transferred to a new school to finish my degree. In my head I thought it was a great decision but I was wrong. This school is not for me, I don't think my major was a practical choice, and while I have a great boyfriend and friends I wish I had more. I hate this feeling. I miss Disney. I miss always having someone to hang out with. I miss random adventures and late night food runs. I miss going to the parks and riding my favorite ride before work. I miss not having a care in the world. I miss the freedom of free (sorta) transportation even if it sucked. I miss all the little things. I know Disney can't last forever and post-Disney depression is real but I didn't expect to feel like this.

[disneyandslothsandrainbowsedits]